Arapaho, OK — Custer County Commissioners enacted a countywide burn ban Monday morning amid dangerous fire conditions across western Oklahoma.
The ban will remain in effect for the next 14 days. Under its terms, only limited activities are allowed, including road construction, welding, and outdoor cooking, provided specific safety requirements are met.
Commissioners said the ban will be reviewed at their next scheduled meeting to determine if conditions warrant extending or lifting the restriction.
According to the Oklahoma Forestry Service, 18 of the state’s 77 counties are currently under burn bans. Locally, those include Custer, Greer, Harmon, and Jackson counties.
The burn ban comes as the region faces elevated fire danger due to a combination of high winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation.
The National Weather Service in Norman has issued a Wind Advisory for much of western Oklahoma, including Custer County, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday. South winds are expected between 20 and 30 miles per hour, with gusts reaching up to 45 miles per hour. Officials warn that strong winds could make travel difficult, especially for high-profile vehicles, and may result in downed tree limbs or isolated power outages.
In addition, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday for counties across western Oklahoma. Forecasters say relative humidity could drop as low as 10 percent, with temperatures climbing into the mid-90s.
Officials emphasize that any fires that develop under these conditions could spread rapidly. Residents are strongly discouraged from any outdoor burning and are urged to use caution to prevent accidental fires.
Authorities continue to monitor conditions closely as fire danger remains high across the region.
Copyright 2026 Paragon Communications. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
